Find the right hair wax

Hair wax comes in several different variations adapted to hair type and personal preference. Some waxes offer a matte finish while others provide more shine. Regardless of your hair type or styling goals, we offer a wide range of waxes to choose from. With this guide, we want to help you find the best wax for your needs. The guide is based on levels of hold and shine.

Summary

• The main differences between hair waxes are hold and shine.

• Different hair types require different textures for the best results.

• This guide shows which products suit your hair type and styling preferences.

1. Hair wax with light hold

Low shine

If you have typical Scandinavian hair with fine strands that easily fall flat, try a sea salt spray. Pusher's provides texture, volume and hold for a natural beach look with a matte finish. Sailor’s sea salt spray delivers a natural tousled structure with a matte finish – perfect for a relaxed yet well-shaped hairstyle. Or try Maria Nila’s Salty Cream with light hold, which adds texture and volume to the hair while also being perfect for enhancing natural curls.

Medium shine

If you want a bit more shine in your hair, try Soft Wax from Lernberger Stafsing. A soft wax with light hold that creates both volume and texture while adding natural shine. Another excellent option is Mellifore Fibre from Truefitt & Hill for the man who wants to tame thick and wavy hair while maintaining a natural lighter hold and medium shine.

High shine

For high shine with light hold, try Maria Nila’s Styling Cream. A nourishing and moisturising styling cream that adds definition, structure and shine to the hair.

2. Hair wax with medium hold

Low shine

If you want a wax with a more matte finish but long-lasting hold without becoming rock hard, Sailor's Sponge Wax is a perfect option. Suitable for both short and longer hairstyles and easy to restyle throughout the day. If you prefer a wax that adds more texture while still maintaining a matte finish, try American Crew Defining Paste.

Medium shine

If you are looking for a natural medium shine, take a closer look at Sailor’s Foaming Wax Antarctica. An easy-to-work wax that is simple to restyle throughout the day while offering medium hold. It features a refreshing scent of mint, citrus and eucalyptus. Another excellent alternative is Maria Nila’s Styling Paste, a styling paste with neutral shine that adds fullness and texture to the hair.

High shine

If you are aiming for more of a wet-look hairstyle, you will need a wax with high shine. From Men-u, you have their Define & Shine, a hair pomade with flexible hold and very high shine. It is easy to reshape throughout the day and simple to wash out. Another option is American Crew Classic Pomade, a water-based hair wax with long-lasting hold and high shine combined with a light and fresh scent.

3. Hair wax with strong hold

Low shine

Benjamin Barber Hair Wax delivers a natural look with low shine, long-lasting hold and definition, making it perfect for short hairstyles and anyone seeking flexible styling without a sticky or heavy feel. Another great alternative is Fixating Wax from Maria Nila, a quick-drying wax with strong hold and matte finish.

Medium shine

If you want slightly more shine, O.D Wax from Pusher is a perfect wax suitable for all hair types. Apply the wax to your hair and style as desired. After 3–4 minutes, the wax begins to harden, keeping the hairstyle in place throughout the day. The finish feels natural without appearing too matte or too glossy. From Sweden, we also have Raw Naturals Monster Fiber Cream, another excellent wax for anyone seeking maximum hold and durability. It provides medium shine and suits all hair types.

High shine

For those who truly want to go all in on total control and a glossy hairstyle, we recommend the water-based wax from Tenax, namely their Pomada Extra Strong. It provides strong hold and high shine without making the hair feel stiff. Another excellent example is Grooming Cream from American Crew, a wax suitable for both straight and curly hair. It delivers maximum hold and shine that lasts throughout the day.